Planting and care guide for Calla (Zantedeschia) tubers.

Tubers can be planted from September through to beginning of December. Early planting depends on the range of spring temperatures experienced in your particular area. If the emerging leaves are likely to be damaged by frosts then just store the tubers in a cool dry area until conditions are right. Leaf growth will normally show through the ground 2 weeks after planting.
If you have purchased flowering size tubers, you can expect to have flower stems showing around 8 weeks after planting.

Calla tubers should be planted in a sunny position and require free draining soil, they will benefit from adding compost to the planting area. To gain good root, tuber and flower stem growth, you need to feed them at planting time. Incorporate a well balanced N P K fertilizer. NPK - the N stands for nitrogen for good leaf growth, the P stands for phosphate which is used for root growth and the K stands for Potassium which is for flower production.
Calcium can be added to deepen leaf colour and for general well being of the plant. Lime, Gypsum and Dolomite are used to boost calcium levels.

Once you have prepared the planting position, dig a hole for each tuber which will give a 10cm (4 inch ) cover of soil over the top of the tuber. This is for 5cm or bigger tubers. For 4-5cm tubers 9cm of cover and for 3-4cm tubers 7.5cm of cover You may be interested to note that the roots of the tuber begin to grow out of the top of the tuber and then work their way down the side of the tuber and then down into the ground.
Water after planting and keep an eye on soil moisture levels during the growing season. As with many other plants they do not do well if they are either over or under watered.

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Ellesmere Callas, 28 Manse Road, Leeston 7632, Canterbury.

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